The deadline to file as a school board trustee candidate is approaching.

March 24 is the deadline to file paperwork to appear on the ballot for the May election. This includes a declaration of intent and oath of candidacy.

Write-in candidates have until 5 p.m. March 31 to file.

Paperwork may be obtained and must be returned to a candidate’s respective school district. Candidates must be registered voters living in the school district they wish to serve.

March 31 is also the deadline for candidates wishing to withdraw their names from the election, which is done by sending a statement of withdrawal to the election administrator.

School elections are May 3. If the number of eligible candidates is equal to or less than the number of open trustee positions, trustees may be seated by acclamation and the election canceled with notice given by April 1.

Trustees are volunteers representing the public who are responsible for making decisions that impact how schools operate and are held accountable. Duties include but are not limited to setting achievement goals, reviewing and adopting policies, annual budgets and educational programs and managing the collective bargaining process.

Following is a list of openings in each district.

• Bigfork has two three-year terms open. File paperwork at the district office, 600 Commerce St., Bigfork. For more information call 406-837-7400.

• Cayuse Prairie has one three-year term open. File paperwork at the district clerk’s office, 897 Lake Blaine Road. For more information call 406-756-4560.

• Columbia Falls has three three-year terms open. One of the terms represents West Glacier for the high school district. File paperwork at the district office, 501 Sixth Ave. W. For more information call 406-892-6550.

• Creston has two three-year terms open. File paperwork at the school office, 4495 Montana 35. For more information call 406-755-2859.

• Deer Park has one three-year term open. File paperwork at the school, 2105 Middle Road. For more information call 406-892-5388.

• Evergreen has two three-year terms open. File paperwork at the district office, 18 W. Evergreen Dr. For more information call 406-751-1111.

• Fair-Mont-Egan has two three-year terms open. File paperwork at the school, 797 Fairmont Road. For more information call 406-755-2038.

• Flathead Valley Community College has two three-year terms open. The college is located at 777 Grandview Drive. For more information call 406-756-3801.

• Helena Flats has one three-year term open. File paperwork at the district office, 1000 Helena Flats Road. For more information call 406-257-2301.

• Kalispell has two three-year terms open representing the elementary district. In the high school district, there is one three-year term open representing Kila, Somers and Lakeside. File paperwork at 233 First Ave. E. For more information call 406-751-3412.

• Kila has two three-year terms open. File paperwork at 395 Kila Road. For more information call 406-257-2428.

• Marion has two three-year terms open. File paperwork at the school, 205 Gopher Lane. For more information call 406-854-2333.

• Olney-Bissell has two three-year terms open. File paperwork at the school, 5955 Farm to Market Road. For more information call 406-862-2828.

• Pleasant Valley has one three-year term open. File paperwork at the school, 7975 Pleasant Valley Road. For more information call 406-858-2343.

• Smith Valley has two three-year terms open. File paperwork at the office, 2901 U.S. 2 W. For more information call 406-756-4535.

• Somers-Lakeside has three three-year terms open. File paperwork with the district clerk at 315 School Addition Road in Somers. For more information call 406-857-3661.

• Swan River has one three-year term open. File paperwork at the school, 1205 Swan Highway. For more information call 406-837-4528.

• West Glacier has one three-year term open. File paperwork at 160 Old River Bridge Road. For more information call 406-888-5312.

• West Valley has two three-year terms and a one-year term open. File paperwork at the school, 2290 Farm to Market Road. For more information call 406-755-7239.

• Whitefish has two three-year terms open. File paperwork at the district office, 600 E. Second St. For more information call 406-862-8643.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].